Post navigation

Archbishop Timothy Broglio to Bring Pilgrimage to Rome in December

March 25, 2015 - by webfeller

Registration now open for Dec. 3-11 pilgrimage to celebrate 50th anniversary of Vatican II and commencement of the Year of Mercy

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will have a unique opportunity in December to go on a nine-day pilgrimage to Rome with Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D. The Dec. 3-11 pilgrimage is timed for Italy’s “Festival of Faith” celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, and it will also coincide with commencement of the Holy Year of Mercy—announced by Pope Francis earlier this month—beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, and running through the Solemnity of Christ the King, Nov. 20, 2016.

Archbishop Broglio, who speaks fluent Italian and lived in the Eternal City for nineteen years, served as Chief of Cabinet for Angelo Cardinal Sodano, Secretary of State to Pope Saint John Paul II, from 1990 to 2001. His Excellency will accompany AMS pilgrims to the Vaticanand other sites of interest throughout the Eternal City, sharing his experience and personal knowledge, with a professional, English speaking tour guide leading the way. The pilgrims will walk through the Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and they will admire the Renaissance master’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica. The itinerary also includes visits to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Throughout the week, pilgrims will enjoy four-star hotel accomodations, dine in local restaurants, and explore the City of the Seven Hills—long known as the Caput Mundi, or cultural “Capital of the World”—visiting the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and a day trip is planned to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, the AMS pilgrims will attend Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and visit St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Blessing. On Monday, Dec. 7, the pilgrims will return to St. Peter’s to join voices with the “Festival of Faith” Choir in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, they will attend a Gala Concert commemorating the golden anniversary in the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. On Wednesday, schedule permitting, they will return to Vatican City for the Holy Father’s weekly Audience and Blessing.

The nine-day, seven-night pilgrimage, which is being arranged through Faith Journeys of Tempe, Ariz., includes a hotel room for seven nights, based on double occupancy; seven breakfasts and seven dinners; guide service; modern motorcoach transportation; and concert arrangements. Roundtrip, economy class airfare is an optional tour package item—pilgrims may opt to arrange their own air travel at their own expense.

Those making a $200 deposit by April 15 will receive an early registration discount.